Evaluating Factors Affecting Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes Produced in the Southern Great Plains

Abstract

Legumes grown as cash and cover crops are a valuable component of cropping systems. Legumes can fix N through a symbiotic relationship with root-associated bacteria, called Rhizobia, through a process called biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). In the Southern Great Plains region of the United States and particularly in Texas, there is very little information regarding the N-fixing potential of legumes. This research aims to contribute information on BNF and associated plant and management factors for legumes grown in this region.